Experts estimate that 17% of the world's population hear sounds which do not in fact exist. They suffer from a condition called tinnitus.

The word tinnitus comes from the Latin for "ringing." Generally, people describe tinnitus as a ringing noise while others might describe a buzzing, humming, waving or whistling sound. No matter how it is described, those with tinnitus never describe it as pleasant. Simply put, tinnitus is the perception of sound which does not exist.

Unfortunately, little is known about the cause of the tinnitus. Treatment is, in most cases, supportive in nature, and there is no cure.

Many therapies have been suggested. Studies suggest using hearing aids can "mask" or surpess the ringing associated with tinnitus.  Special hearing aids called "tinnitus-masker" or "noiser" made for tinnitus can be adjusted or specially programmed to divert attention away from the disturbing sounds in the ear, making it easier to listen to "outside" sounds.

Some therapies include biofeedback which focus on relaxation techniques. Others include, cognitive therapies which counsel patients to cope with the emotional reaction to tinnitus and to help improve quality of life. Whatever the therapy, your healthcare provider will have to determine exactly which therapy is the right one.

Tinnitus may be experienced intermittantly and with varying degrees of intensity., or in the worst case, it might be experienced chronically, in other words, all the time and over long periods of time.

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